Coin detection device

Check-actuated control mechanisms – Including means to test validity of check – By testing material composition

Patent

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Details

194334, G07D 508

Patent

active

048057541

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a device which is suitable for use in detecting the presence of coins, hereinafter referred to as a coin detecting device. However, the device may be employed for detecting token coins and other currency substitute elements which are formed from metal and it is intended that the word "coin" should be construed to cover all such elements.
In a preferred form of the invention, the coin detecting device functions to discriminate between various coins, that is to discriminate between coins of different denominations or between real and counterfeit coins, and to reject those which are found to be unacceptable. It is proposed that this discrimination be effected by obtaining a measure of the coin's physical dimensions and, if required, by additionally obtaining a measure of the conductivity of the coins.


BACKGROUND ART

Coin detection/acceptor mechanisms currently are used extensively in gaming and vending machines, and they may be categorised broadly as falling within one or two different types, mechanical or electrical. The majority of existing electrical type mechanisms incorporate coils which are located adjacent a coin track and which form parts of tuned circuits which respond to coin passage along the track. Coin detection and discrimination is made as a consequence of a change in the circuit inductance.
These prior art mechanisms are expensive to build and assemble, due to the need for high quality induction coils and other circuit components, and the present invention seeks to provide a mechanism which incorporates a relatively simpler construction.


DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Broadly defined, the present invention provides a coin detecting device which comprises a track which is formed at least in part from a non-conductive material and which defines a path along which a coin may move under the influence of gravity. At least two spaced-apart metal plates are located on a wall portion of the track, the plates being disposed so as to be passed one after the other as a coin moves down the track, and the plates being spaced apart by a distance such that the coin will momentarily overlap the or each pair of plates and co-operate with such plates to form two series capacitors as the coin passes the plates. An insulating material covers the plates to prevent electrical contact between the plates and the coin. A pulse generator is provided for applying voltage pulses to one of the plates, and a detector circuit is connected in circuit with the or each other plate. The detector circuit is arranged to provide an output signal indicative of a predetermined increase in the capacitance of the circuit responsive to the movement of a coin past the plates.
In a preferred form of the invention, three spaced-apart metal plates are located on a wall portion of the track, the plates being disposed so as to be passed one after another as a coin moves down the track. The plates are spaced apart by a distance such that the coin will initially overlap first and second ones of the plates to form a first pair of series capacitors and, thereafter, overlap the second and third plates to form a second pair of series capacitors. A pulse generator is provided for applying voltage pulses to the second plate and a detector circuit is connected in circuit with the first and third plates. The detector circuit is arranged to provide an output signal indicative of a predetermined increase in the capacitance of the circuits which incorporate the first and second pair of capacitors responsive to movement of the coin past the pairs of plates.
The coin detecting device most preferably includes circuitry which functions to time the movement of a passing coin over a predetermined distance as it moves along the track and to provide an output signal which constitutes a measure of the diameter of the coin. A measure of the coin's thickness may also be obtained by locating spaced-apart groups of metal plates in opposite side walls of the coin track and by relating the levels of output signals derived from

REFERENCES:
patent: 3169626 (1965-02-01), Miyagawa et al.
patent: 4184366 (1980-01-01), Butler
patent: 4667093 (1987-05-01), MacDonald

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